There are many ways philanthropy has inspired, transformed, energized, led and advanced UC Davis. During the month of May, UC Davis celebrates “By Philanthropy,” a special initiative to demonstrate how philanthropic gifts have touched thousands of people and aspects of life at UC Davis and helped the university solve some of the greatest challenges of our time.
On this page, we share some of the ways the generosity of our alumni and friends have strengthened the College of Letters and Science's goal to make a better world. A huge thank you to everyone who supports the College. Your generosity makes all the difference.
For our students
Crystal Lee ’21 Physics
Crystal Lee ’21 always loved math and science –– but during her childhood, these subjects were not a part of her education. She earned her GED in 2001 when she was 17 years old. Now, fueled by personal motivation and an inquisitive mind, Lee is pursuing a physics degree at UC Davis. The Cal Aggie Alumni Association recognized Lee as the 2018/19 Blue and Gold Leadership Scholar, a prestigious honor for incoming freshman or transfers from California, Oregon or Washington who have demonstrated leadership in extracurricular activities, community activities, employment or a personal situation. The scholarship includes $10,000 dispersed over two years. Read more of Lee's story and the impact giving has had on her dreams.
Keelan Doss (B.A., sociology, ’18) - Student Athlete
Keelan Doss, young alumnus and Aggie football star who recently signed with the Oakland Raiders, said he was "blessed" to have a scholarship to attend UC Davis. I had been working toward that goal my whole life. I would not be able to afford college without it. When I got the offer I was thrilled –– at that moment I realized all of my hard work had paid off,” said Keelan Doss, Read more about his journey at UC Davis.
For our faculty
Shota Atsumi, Chemistry
Associate Professor Shota Atsumi is experimenting with new and exciting ideas in order to make the world a more sustainable place for the next generation. Atsumi, who teaches undergraduate and graduate chemistry courses in the College of Letters and Science, is one of the 12 UC Davis faculty members to be named a 2018 Chancellor’s Fellow. Funded by the Annual Fund and the UC Davis Parents Fund, Chancellor’s Fellows keep this title for five years and receive $25,000 to advance their research projects and other scholarly work. Read more about Atsumi's research.
Charles "Chuck" Walker, History
The first to hold the MacArthur Foundation Endowed Chair in International Human Rights at UC Davis, Charles “Chuck” Walker has both personal and academic knowledge about Latin America, including firsthand experience of the Shining Path, a violent Maoist insurgent group that led to a bloody war in Peru in the 1980s and early 90s. With the funds from the endowed chair, Walker has had the opportunity to hire UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students to create a database of publications on the Shining Path and complete other work that is foundational to his research. Read more about how giving supports Walker's research.
For the physical places we do our research and teaching
Learn more about how giving has helped to provide places that bring the community into the university and move forward the College’s research and teaching. Check out the interactive map.
Ann E. Pitzer Center (#12 on the map)
The Ann E. Pitzer Center provides 17,000-square foot classroom and recital hall space, as well as rehearsal studios, a recording control room and a production office. Ann E. Pitzer ’58 donated $5 million toward to building, created the Ann E. Pitzer scholarship and donated $1 million to the UC Davis Education Abroad Center to create a study abroad award endowment.
Rock Hall (#58 on the map)
Peter A. Rock Hall is named after the late chemistry professor who spent his entire career, 42 years, as a UC Davis faculty member until his death in 2006. Professor Rock was the founding dean of the Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, serving from 1994 to 2003.
C.N. Gorman Museum (#59 on the map)
The C.N. Gorman Museum was founded in 1973 by the Department of Native American Studies in honor of retired faculty member, Carl Nelson Gorman, Navajo artist, WWII code-talker, cultural historian and advocate for Native peoples. Gorman was the first faculty member to teach Native American art at UC Davis in 1969. For 45 years, the C.N. Gorman Museum has been dedicated to the creative expressions of Native American artists and artists of diverse cultural and histories.